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Final Fantasy XIII-2 dated worldwide, bundled with limited edition system in Japan
Final Fantasy XIII-2 will arrive in America on January 31, Square Enix announced today at Tokyo Game Show. Europe's version will follow on February 2. Japan's release is set for December 15, with an extra option (above). The first Final Fantasy XIII was accompanied in Japan by the lovely white and pink Lightning Edition PS3. With another Final Fantasy XIII game comes another limited edition, Japan-exclusive system -- this time in "pearl black." There's still a lot of pink. The Lightning Edition Ver. 2 PS3 will include a 320GB hard drive, the game and a controller when it ships in Japan, at a price of ¥37,960 ($495).%Gallery-133857%
HTC working on Sensation special edition with Beats and 1.5GHz dual-core CPU?
Looking for a way to listen to some sensational beats? Soon, we hope to do so using a Sensation with Beats. According to a document leaked to CNET, HTC is planning a revised Special Edition of its popular Sensation that throws in Beats technology and adds a few other improvements at the same time. On the drawing board is a ramped-up 1.5GHz dual-core CPU (up from 1.2GHz), a massive 1,730mAh battery and four times the internal storage at 4GB. If we can trust the above doc, it appears the phone will be offered with GSM and TD-SCDMA -- pegging China as a key market -- and has a starting price of $850. We can only hope the high cost is an extreme case and won't be a precedent set for all future HTC / Beats devices.
Ni no Kuni bundled with 'magical' PS3 in Japan
Level-5/Studio Ghibli tie-up RPG Ni no Kuni ("The Another World") comes with a deluxe spellbook on DS. Its PS3 counterpart one-ups the DS version when it hits Japan on November 17, by optionally bundling a whole PS3. The Ni no Kuni "Magical Edition" bundle will include the game and a special white and gold PS3, according to leaks from this week's Famitsu. It'll sell for ¥33,780 ($440). PS3 games are region free, so if you decide to import this from The Another World of Japan, you'll at least be able to play your local PS3 games on it. There's still no word on a localization for either Ni no Kuni game. [Image: Andriasang]
Assassin's Creed: Revelations 'Ultimate Edition' bundle revealed by GameStop
You've got a hoodie drawn over your eyes, a hidden blade tucked under each sleeve, and you're a parkour master. Every evening you renew your vow to the order, quietly murmuring "Vittoria agli assassini" before retiring to bed. But as we all know, you're not a real Assassin's Creed fan without a miniature statuette of Leonardo da Vinci's flying machine and a plastic statue of elderly Ezio. As it turns out, GameStop is offering just that in what it's calling the Assassin's Creed: Revelations "Ultimate Edition," which includes the contents of the pre-order-tied "Signature Edition" plus the aforementioned plastic items. That means it costs $40 more on consoles and PC ($100 and $90, respectively) for two plastic figures and ... a whole bunch of content that everyone else is getting for free with a pre-order.
The special 100th edition of the Engadget Mobile Podcast, this Friday at 5PM ET!
Fun fact: the very first Engadget Mobile Podcast took place on December 17, 2008. Roughly 23,424 hours later (give or take a few), we're going to be celebrating the one-hundredth edition; dang, we're getting old. And what better way to celebrate than to bring on some special guests. Join hosts Myriam and Brad as they welcome Noah Kravitz from TechnoBuffalo and Engadget's own Richard Lai to the podcast. You know what that means: more rants, even more beefs, and especially more all-around mobile goodness at its best. We're planning on beginning the party Friday night at 5PM ET (2PM PT / 9PM GMT), so make sure you've got some space cleared on your calendar!
Saints Row: The Third Platinum Pack will autotune you
"I want a new video game," the average consumer thinks, "but I also want to sound funny on the phone." THQ swoops in with a solution to this two-fold need, with the Saints Row: The Third Platinum Pack. In addition to the game, a soundtrack, and the in-game "Professor Genki Hyper-Ordinary Pre-Order Pack" content, the set also includes a "custom molded Saints Row headset" with a vocoder voice processing feature "inspired by the premier pimp in Saints Row: The Third, Zimos" (who has had a tracheotomy, and speaks using an autotuned electronic voice box). Won't it be fun to annoy all your Xbox Live and PSN friends with your new robovoice? No, it won't. The headphones are not compatible with Xbox Live or PSN, instead using a standard 3.5mm audio jack. You can totally use it on your smartphone, though. [Thanks Matt]
Planet Earth Special Edition Blu-ray arrives October 4th
Warner has officially revealed the launch date and pricing for refreshed editions of the epic Planet Earth series on Blu-ray and DVD. There are two versions planned, the Limited Collector's Edition pictured above with the globe packaging, and a Special Edition in more every day trim. The MSRP for the LCE is $99 and the Special Edition runs $79 when both arrive October 4th, check out the official list of extras after the break.
Xenoblade Chronicles gets European special edition, very European localization
While American fans are doing their best to fume productively about the localization prospects for Xenoblade Chronicles, Nintendo continues working on the European localization. And Nintendo is really hammering home the fact that it's a European localization. A video clip from a recently posted Iwata Asks interview reveals a surprising amount of Britishness in the voice acting. See the clip in question after the break, and find lots more in the interview itself. An announcement on Nintendo of Germany's site reveals that not only is Xenoblade being released in Europe on September 2, it's being released in a limited edition with a red Classic Controller Pro. That's like twisting the Xenoblade in the backs of already irritated Americans.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 'Limited Edition with DLC' listed on GameStop [update: it's official!]
Headed to the store to buy Call of Duty: Black Ops right this second? Hang on. A listing spotted on GameStop.com suggests that, next week, you'll be able to buy a version bundled with DLC. The listing is light on specifics, but the name is "Call of Duty: Black Ops Limited Edition with DLC." According to GameStop, it's set to come out June 28 on Xbox 360 and PS3, for the same $59.99 price that the normal edition commands. We're checking with Activision to determine exactly which DLC is included and if this package will be sold at other retailers. (Oh, and whether or not it's real.) [Thanks, BrownWing!] Update: Activision confirmed to Joystiq that the "Limited Edition" version of Black Ops will be available at "all retailers" in North America on June 28. For $59.99, it will include the game and a token for the "First Strike" DLC.
Assassin's Creed Revelations 'Animus Edition' tempts Irish fans
A special edition of Assassin's Creed: Revelations found on GameStop in Ireland includes either more stuff than shows up in the American "Signature Edition" or provides additional info about what that edition will hold. Of course, the whole situation is a lot simpler if you're Irish, as the listing just tells you what is in this version you can buy. The €99.99 ($143) "Animus Edition" comes in special packaging, and includes rather a lot of stuff: a soundtrack, the Assassin's Creed Embers short film, and an "in-depth encyclopedia." In addition, it features in-game content including a mission set in the prison of Vlad the Impaler; gun, bullet, bomb, and arrow upgrades; the Armour of Brutus item from Brotherhood; two multiplayer characters, the Crusader and a new "Ottoman" version of the Jester; and "one exclusive customization item." To contrast, the US "Signature Edition" promises only an "extended gameplay mission, enhanced weapon capabilities, bonus multiplayer character, animated short film," and "in-game soundtrack." No big box, no encyclopedia, and no details about what those missions, characters, or upgrades are.
Otomedius Excellent out July 19, includes optional pillowcase
Hey, you know how you've been shopping for a pillowcase with pictures of girls in spaceship suits? Well, we can finally tell you where to find one, and it includes an Xbox 360 shooting game as a bonus. One day before its pre-E3 event (which would have been the perfect time to announce something like this), Konami announced that Otomedius Excellent, its Gradius-esque anime-girl shmup, will be out in North America on July 19. It'll be available on disc in either a $29.99 version, or a $49.99 Special Edition which includes an art book, soundtrack, and the aforementioned home decor item, a " 2-sided pillowcase featuring the girls of Otomedius." Check out the full-sized boxart after the break. If you're immediately humiliated, you're not ready for the pillowcase.
Special edition Tales of Xillia PS3 bundle coming to Japan
Japanese PS3 buyers have the choice of another special-edition console, should they decide to give their Gran Turismo 5 blue or Final Fantasy XIII white systems a rest. The "Tales of Xillia X Edition" PS3 system is the usual "Charcoal Black" PS3 color, but with metallic red and gold artwork on the top depicting the characters Jude and Milla. The PS3 logo is also red, which does more to make the thing seem "special-edition." Maybe we're just weird. The 160GB system will be released in Japan on September 8, bundled with a copy of Tales of Xillia for ¥37,980 ($470). While it's no longer completely ridiculous to think a Tales game will be localized, don't expect to see this one in American stores anytime soon. Of course, PS3 games are region-free, so you can totally import one of these and play American games on it! [Thanks, Morgan]
Naughty Bear stuffed into Gold Edition
Some of gaming's grandest adventures have been repackaged in special editions. Oblivion, Dragon Age: Origins, Fable 2 and now ... Naughty Bear? 505 Games has announced Naughty Bear Gold Edition, which crams the original (and mediocre) game and all three of its downloadable content episodes into one stuffing-filled package. According to the press release, Naughty Bear Gold Edition is available now for PS3 and Xbox 360, though both Amazon and GameStop list a May 24 release date. It can be pre-ordered now for $30.
Lian Li PC-U6 Cowry case: an aluminum seashell to keep your PC looking stylish
It takes quite a bit to get us excited about desktop case designs these days, but Lian Li's voluptuous new PC-U6 Cowry would seem to qualify pretty easily. It's fashioned after a seashell, giving it an appearance that's remarkably fresh and novel for such a well developed market, but it's also functionally useful -- the deepest part of the case is exactly where graphics cards would be expected to reside, permitting it to accommodate a video card as long as 310mm. There are also two 120mm side-mounted fans, a red LED kit, room for a full-sized power supply, and tool-free mounts for three 3.5-inch and two 2.5-inch storage drives plus an external 5.25-inch ODD. All that goodness is encased in an aluminum body and coming at you later this month for $349. How could you possibly resist? Video of the Cowry follows after the break.
UK Mortal Kombat Kollector's Edition bumps bookends for figurine
Little known fact: Brits can't read. Well, not all of them at least. Despite naming our language, England enjoys an incredible 110 percent illiteracy rate. So it makes total sense then that the North American release of Mortal Kombat would come with bookends -- after all, what else is your book-learned American fighting game fan going to do when he's done with a couple rounds? -- while the UK release is saddled with a "kollectible" figurine. There's also an exclusive art book (mostly pictures, don't worry), an "in-game Retro Ninja Costume," and some console exclusive avatars and what have you. Enough words, have a taste of these images: %Gallery-119286%
Final Fantasy IV: Complete Collection airshipping to Europe on April 22
Cecil, Tellah, Rosa and the gang will take up arms against the powers of nefarious crystal-hogs once again in Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection, which Square Enix has now adorned with an April 22 European release date -- a few days after North America's April 19 due date. The PSP-exclusive collection not only includes the original, SNES RPG (bolstered with some fancy-schmancy new graphics and CGI cutscenes), but also the After Years expansions, which players will be able jump right into if they don't feel like replaying the original, casualty-heavy saga. The Complete Colelction will be available in both a standard and special edition, which includes a handful of lovely little Final Fantasy IV art cards, a PSP screen cloth and a DLC voucher for Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy. That cloth would actually be kind of handy -- you'll need something to mop up your tears following that one scene. You know. With those kids. And that hallway.
AC: Brotherhood murders always-on DRM, stalks PC on March 22
Ubisoft has confirmed with Joystiq that the PC version of Assassin's Creed Brotherhood will be playable in offline single-player mode after an initial login, quelling fears that Brotherhood would employ the same restrictive DRM as Assassin's Creed 2. Additionally, the PC version of Brotherhood will arrive on March 22 (a few days later than the previously suggested date). You may want to use those few extra days to sharpen your cutlery and brush up on your Italiano -- or, like, go to the Olive Garden for dinner or something. Ubisoft has also detailed the technical specifications (posted after the break) required to play Brotherhood on a PC, as well as two retail versions of the PC release: a standard edition for $50, which includes the two multiplayer updates and the Da Vinci Disappearance DLC; and a digital-only "Deluxe Edition" for $60 that adds two extra multiplayer characters, two single-player maps, an extra skin and "additional multimedia content." %Gallery-117334%
Duke Nukem Forever 'Balls of Steel' Edition: Is this some kind of bust?
If you thought Duke Nukem Forever was tacky before, wait until you see the collector's edition. Well, we suppose you've already seen the collector's edition -- that's it above. The "Balls of Steel" Edition (yep), revealed to DNF "First Access Club" members, is overloaded with stuff, including a hardcover artbook, postcards, a logo sticker, a comic book, poker chips, dice, playing cards, a foldable papercraft, and -- oh yeah -- a bust of Duke Nukem. There's even a numbered certificate of authenticity, to prove to others that it's the genuine article. Notable omissions include steel stress balls and, in fact, anything spherical or metal. The Balls of Steel Edition will be available in limited quantities for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC at launch (the week of May 3). Update: 2K has provided additional details in its press release (in full after the break), revealing that the Balls of Steel Edition will be exclusive to Amazon and GameStop in North America -- for $100. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Yakuza 4 special edition listed by UK retailer
UK retailer GAME has listed a special edition of Yakuza 4 called the "Kuro Edition" ("kuro" means "black" in Japanese), which includes a SteelBook case for the game, suitable for use as a makeshift weapon should you find yourself in a street fight on the way home. The package also includes new in-game costumes for all four characters, including wrestling outfits much like those included as bonuses with Yakuza 3. It also includes a "survival" boss rush mode, a racing mode and underground fighting arena DLC -- the perfect venue for that wrestling outfit. GAME is currently offering this edition for the same £50 price as the regular version. Sega informed Joystiq that the "Kuro Edition" is for Europe only, and won't be offered in North America.
Square Enix celebrates The 3rd Birthday in Europe with 'Twisted' edition
Aya Brea's grand return to the world of video games, The 3rd Birthday, is being marked in Europe by the release of a special "Twisted" edition. Available this spring, the Twisted Edition includes a UMD copy of the game, along with a 48-page "CTI Confidential" art book, two "deluxe" lithographs, and a code to unlock an Aya Brea costume for Lightning in the Dissidia sequel. The image of the pack released by Square Enix suggests that no one part of this bundle isn't covered with pictures of Aya Brea.
